Sewing as a skill for personal development of children
Sewing can provide an incredibly enjoyable avenue for children to not only acquire a lifelong skill but also foster their creative thinking, opines Seema Mahajan.
We are all aware of how increasingly important sustainability is becoming across various aspects of our life – and needless to say we all practise it in varying degrees. However, are we teaching our kids to follow suit?
Well, in today’s world where a majority of the kids a glued to screens of different sizes, it’s imperative that we begin to walk the talk and talk the walk – meaning we need to start them on their sustainable journey from childhood. One the easiest ways to do this is to inculcate in them hobbies that are naturally geared towards this – SEWING. Sewing is a fun way of keeping them busy with the bonus being that it promotes mental health and skill development too, while teaching them a great life skill that will go a long way in their sustainable journey! It’s a proven fact that skill-based activities encourage children to learn something new and help promote their personal development, while exposing them to new experiences in life.
Sewing, if taught right and taught when they are young, allows kids a certain freedom. More importantly, it also keeps them distracted from screens, and this one is a biggie for parents who worry about kids’ screentime. Sewing can provide an incredibly enjoyable avenue for children to not only acquire a lifelong skill but also foster their creative thinking and cultivate a sense of satisfaction at having done their bit for the environment by mitigating waste.
Here’s how sewing plays a significant role in the overall development of children:
Gives them a channel to explore their creativity and self-expression: Sewing allows children to explore their creativity and express themselves through fabric and design. They can choose their own patterns, colours, and fabrics, and bring their ideas to life, helping them further hone their imagination and artistic skills.
Teaches them patience and problem solving: Sewing being an art form involves following instructions: measuring, cutting, and stitching. It requires mindfulness and problem-solving skills. Kids learn to troubleshoot issues, find solutions, and develop patience as they work through the process, enhancing their critical thinking abilities and persistence.
Inculcates confidence and a sense of accomplishment: Completing sewing projects can provide children with a sense of achievement and boost their confidence. Seeing their finished creations can instil a sense of pride and motivate them to take on more challenging projects. Sewing also allows them to experiment and learn from their mistakes, promoting resilience and a growth mindset.
Creates awareness and mindfulness about sustainability: Sewing enables children to be mindful of the environment by reusing and repurposing materials. They can transform old clothes or fabric scraps into something new and reduce waste. Understanding the value of sustainable practices at an early age can shape their attitudes towards protecting the environment.
While parents plan sewing activities for their children, it is also essential to keep in mind that they have the best user-friendly gadgets to learn this art form. The sewing machines available in the market today offer a whole range that are designed for children and young adults who are just getting started on their sewing journey. What’s more, these sewing machines will probably cost you less than a weekend getaway, but ensure your kids are busy for many weeks, and hopefully years, to come.
India’s leading sewing machine company today offers easy-to-use kid-friendly sewing machines especially catering to the younger kids to help them get started on a positive note. There is a whole range of beautifully designed, automatic machines that enhance the learning experience thanks to the built-in decorative stitches and multiple features for kids to help them unleash their creative potential.
So, here’s the golden opportunity for you to encourage your children to indulge in some creative activities and allow them to learn a skill that will be a friend for life.
About the author:
Seema Mahajan is the President – Studio of Fashion & Craft at Usha International. Usha is a leader in fast moving consumer durables including products like fans, sewing machines, home appliances, and power products. It is a manufacturing, sales, and marketing organisation with a pan-India footprint. There are around 3700 employees working from 16 regional locations. The company has an All India retail presence with 60 company showrooms and logistics supported by 33 warehouses.
